avatarHelen Boss

Summary

The website content recounts "The Mermaid of Zennor," a legendary tale from Cornwall, and invites readers to explore the county's rich storytelling tradition during the lockdown, with a promise of future hospitality.

Abstract

The article delves into the enchanting folklore of Cornwall, specifically the tale of "The Mermaid of Zennor," which centers around a young chorister named Matthew Trewhella who is bewitched by a mermaid's allure and vanishes into the sea. Set against the backdrop of Cornwall's picturesque landscapes, the story highlights the county's tradition of storytelling as a means to cope with the harsh realities of life and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the region's tourism. The narrative serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, encouraging readers to discover Cornwall's magical heritage from the comfort of their homes and to visit once the lockdown is lifted.

Opinions

  • The author expresses a deep connection to Cornwall, reminiscing about family outings and the county's natural beauty.
  • There is a sense of nostalgia and loss regarding the disruption of Cornwall's hospitality and tourism due to the pandemic.
  • The legend of the mermaid is presented as a testament to the captivating power of Cornwall's myths and landscapes.
  • The article suggests that the mermaid's chair in Zennor's church serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of enchantment.
  • The author conveys an anticipatory excitement for the future, looking forward to sharing Cornwall's stories and welcoming visitors again.
  • The piece hints at a broader series of stories to come, with the mention of "Episode 2 — The Legend of Dozmary Pool," indicating an intention to serialize Cornish legends.

The Legends & Myths of Cornwall: Episode 1 — The Mermaid of Zennor

Image by Madelaine Caudron on Pixabay

Cornwall — the land of legends and myths; of mermaids, piskies, and pasties

During these dark times of Coronavirus lockdowns, the beautiful county of Cornwall is unable to operate as usual. Today is Easter Sunday 2020 and our county would have been alive with the first major holiday of the year.

With the weather we have been having, our beaches would have been crowded, the restaurants filled and the pubs chock-full with visitors. It is the start of the summer season when Cornwall comes out of hibernation and we resume the business of hospitality. But not this year.

Photos courtesy of Lekies, LoggaWiggler and AndrewSonghurst at Pixabay.com

Of course, it hasn’t always been like this — this land of lifestyle and freedom. Indeed, to many it has been hard-graft; of a life hewn from the granite rocks and the treacherous sea.

We made up for the harshness of our lives with the allure of our surroundings. Stunning clifftop vistas. Beaches with the softest white sand. Rugged moorland landscapes, seemingly as desolate as the moon, yet with hidden pockets of verdant valleys.

Tucked away in these isolated communities, storytelling held the long dark winter nights at bay. It is these stories of old that I bring you: to whet your appetite to discover a different Cornwall and tempt you to explore the magic from your own armchair.

And to please come visit when we are open once again when we will welcome you with open arms and love in our hearts.

The Mermaid of Zennor

My first tale comes from the far west of Cornwall. The narrow road out of St Ives twists and turns towards Lands End and it is easy to miss Zennor, tucked into folds of land as it edges towards the sea.

For me, Zennor reminds me of my grandparents. It was always Easter when they took us hiking along the cliff path, with the promise of pasties in the pub on our return!

We often popped into the little church too, and it is here in the church that the story of the Mermaid of Zennor really begins.

Like many rural villages, the pub and the church sit in juxtaposition to each other. It is said that villagers would roll out of one and straight into the other!

How true this is, I cannot say.

Inside the church, you will discover the ancient medieval chair, carved with a mermaid.

The legend goes that one of the choristers was a handsome young man (there’s always got to be one in a good legend!) called Matthew Trewhella. Now Matthew not only looked good but he could sing beautifully too. Matthew’s lovely voice meant each service ended with him singing a solo hymn whilst the rest of the congregation listened in awe. His singing seemed to weave an enchanting spell over all who heard him.

One day Matthew’s singing was so strong and clear the sound floated down to the sea and called a young mermaid to come and listen. When he finished his hymn, he glanced up to see the mermaid beckoning him to follow her out along the cliff tops down to Pendour cove.

As if in a trance, Matthew was seen following the mermaid across the cliffs, down into the cove, wading into the sea and vanishing beneath the waves, never to be seen again.

Image by woodytyke on Flickr

Some years later a ship dropped anchor in Pendour cove. The ship’s captain, checking that all was okay with the anchor, heard a voice calling to him. A mermaid appeared asking if he would mind anchoring elsewhere in the cove, as she couldn’t get into her home and that she needed to get back to her husband, Matthew, and children. The ship’s captain, eager not to fall out with mermaids, obliged. He’d heard tell of terrible happenings when mermaids had been ignored and he was keen to keep his crew and boat safe.

The ship safely anchored further out, thoughts turned to a visit ashore.

In the pub, the story of the mermaid was hot gossip, as it was the first news the villagers had received about Matthew Trewhella since he’d disappeared all those years ago. They had missed his golden voice.

Photo permission kindly granted by Baz Richardson on Flickr

It is said that the mermaid chair was created as a warning to the young men of Zennor to be careful of bewitchment. The ever-present problem of the young, I’m sure, of being carried off by a pretty face!

It is also said that on a clear, still evening, as the sun is setting, you can hear a beautiful voice, singing.

Coming next: Episode 2 — The Legend of Dozmary Pool

It is said that King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur, resides deep within this bottomless pool, where the Lady of the Lake resides, but Dozmary holds the secret to another tale of mystery.

Travel
Storytelling
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